In Their Own Words

by DeMain, Bill

• ISBN13: 9780275984021
• ISBN10: 0275984028
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-09-30
• Publisher: Praeger Pub Text

Summary

The interviews included in this fascinating collection of discussions with popular songwriters focus on the craft itself--and as such, they are of interest to both music fans and to budding songwriters. What inspires songwriters? Where do their songs come from? What is their process? What do they do when they get stuck? In this book, readers will hear from a vast range of well-known, successful songwriters, many of them performers as well, revealing the nuances of their skill: how they write their songs, from conception to finished work. The book discusses both song history and style. The songs discussed have defined eras and culture. Full of trivia, wisdom, and fascinating revelations from such figures as Tori Amos, Burt Bacharach, David Bowie, Sarah McLachlan, Billy Joel, and John Mayer, In Their Own Words shines a light on what is often and inherently lonely craft. It gives readers a glimpse into a mysterious process and offes rising songwriters a wealth of advice from those who have spent decades successfully sharing their work with the public.

Author Biography

Bill DeMain As a music journalist, he has written for such publications as MOJO, Entertainment Weekly, and Performing Songwriter

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	xi
1 Burt Bacharach	1	(10)
2 Hal David	11	(7)
3 Ray Charles	18	(5)
4 Harlan Howard	23	(6)
5 Dolly Parton	29	(10)
6 Isaac Hayes	39	(7)
7 Walter Becker and Donald Fagen of Steely Dan	46	(10)
8 David Bowie	56	(11)
9 Graham Nash	67	(5)
10 Carlos Santana	72	(10)
11 Todd Rundgren	82	(9)
12 Michael McDonald	91	(7)
13 Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac	98	(16)
14 Billy Joel	114	(12)
15 Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis	126	(9)
16 Amy Grant	135	(6)
17 Jane Siberry	141	(6)
18 John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls	147	(6)
19 Tori Amos	153	(8)
20 John Linnell of They Might Be Giants	161	(9)
21 Sarah McLachlan	170	(8)
22 Ben Folds	178	(8)
23 Seal	186	(7)
24 Paula Cole	193	(7)
25 Jewel	200	(6)
26 Dido	206	(5)
27 John Mayer	211